February is a fun month, full of opportunity - and especially February 2022 in White Cliffs Country! Read on to find out how you can enjoy exciting and unique experiences and events in Deal, Dover and Sandwich this February, as you discover hidden gems and get closer to the history of our characterful towns. You can even pick up a free gift while you’re at it!*
What’s not to love about February? Valentine’s Day shares an optimistic message of love and kindness, emotional connection, romantic opportunity and a celebration of relationships with special people. A chance to explore beautiful places and enjoy new experiences with a treasured person, capturing precious moments and making memories together. With the schools’ Half Term break comes the chance to pause, unwind, relax and enjoy quality family time together, as an escape from the tedium of the winter toil. A reward for surviving the routine of January and the humdrum of the post-Christmas grind, with a fun family daytrip, shared experiences and exciting activities enjoyed together, while you take a break from work and school. And with daylight hours getting longer, birdsong growing louder and shoots and buds adding colour to the landscape, there’s a definite hint of Spring in the air. It must be time to venture out further, spread your wings and dip your toe into a new experience. White Cliffs Country is a wonderful place in which to spend time and explore this February, to soak up the seasonal charm as coast and countryside emerge from winter and stride towards the brighter days of Spring – and this month, there’s more reason than ever to get out and about across Deal, Dover and Sandwich.
Find Hidden Gems on every corner
This February we’re inviting you to discover – or perhaps, re-discover – the hidden gems at the heart of Dover, Deal and Sandwich. To take a walk around the historic centres of these characterful towns in White Cliffs Country to uncover their history, heritage and fascinating stories - which have shaped them, and their people, throughout time.
Across historic Dover, maritime Deal and medieval Sandwich, you’ll find a selection of self-guided walking trails, with each trail connecting you more closely with the origins of White Cliffs Country. To encourage you to get out and explore, from Saturday 12th February we’re offering you the chance to collect a FREE White Cliffs Country water bottle* while you’re out walking the trails. Made from aluminium, the sturdy and stylish water bottles can be used on your walking adventures time and again, making them the perfect, handy tool you need to refresh yourself and re-hydrate after an interesting and inspiring walk outdoors in White Cliffs Country – before you’re ready to go again! Have a look at some of our suggestions below for ideas. Where will you explore first?
The Bluebird Heritage Trail in Dover, for example, is a self-guided trail marked by distinctive Bluebird Heritage Trail bronze pavement markers, which links Dover’s historic buildings, sites and monuments. (Keep in mind, while you’re following the Bluebird Heritage Trail, that due to exciting developments currently taking place in Dover’s Market Square and at Dover Marina, you will notice some changes along the route.) While you’re exploring the Bluebird Heritage Trail, at Dover Museum you can head to the White Cliffs Country Visitor Information Centre and collect your free White Cliffs Country water bottle*. You can also pick up some great free printed maps and guides, including the new White Cliffs Country 2022 Visitor Guide, and our Walking & Cycling Guide.
In Deal, you can discover and explore amongst other trails the Royal Marines Heritage Trail, which celebrates the rich history of the Royal Marines (who were stationed at Deal from 1869 to 1996) and their unique relationship with Deal and Walmer. Look out for the embedded bronze markers as you follow the self-guided heritage walking trail around Deal and Walmer and, after completing the trail, wander up to Deal Pier from where you can collect your free White Cliffs Country water bottle*, from the booth at the entrance to the pier. Follow the link to download the trail map.
Sandwich Town Trail takes you on an incredible journey of discovery into the medieval origins and history of the fascinating Cinque Port town. Download the map from our website and use it to match the numbers and information points with the locations on the trail. You’ll find information boards at each point on the marked route as well, telling the story of Sandwich throughout the centuries. Collect your free White Cliffs Country water bottle from Sandwich Visitor Information Centre at Sandwich Guildhall* - and don’t forget to collect some handy (and free) White Cliffs Country printed maps and guides while you’re there!
Uncover the tales of historic Dover
And talking of walking… what about walking and talking? If you love the idea of discovering more about the history of Dover and Deal on a guided walking tour, make sure you sign up for our two FREE walking tours of these historic towns. Both tours are taking place in February 2022 – you must book a place to take part.
The Discover Deal tour, from Deal’s The History Project, takes place on Saturday 12th February and Saturday 19th February. During the guided walking tour you’ll uncover 2000 years of history, from the arrival of Julius Caesar to the notorious Goodwin Sands; Henry VIII’s castles and Deal’s smuggling history, the famous faces of Deal from Lord Nelson to Charles Hawtrey and more. Book your free space on the tour by emailing thehistoryproject@yahoo.com. Tours run at 10am and 2pm.
In Dover, the Town Centre History and Heritage Tour with Dover Tales is the first in a series of free walks taking place on Sunday February 20th. This guided walking tour will explore the heritage sites and monuments of historic Dover.
The Discover Deal Tour and Dover’s Town Centre History and Heritage Tour - which are free to take part in, but you must book your space - are being arranged by Dover District Council and are funded from the Government’s Welcome Back Fund.
Enjoy family days out this half term
How’s about booking a guided walking tour for a “Date with a Difference” this Valentine’s Day? Enjoy a cosy meal afterwards at one of our town centre restaurants, seaside bistros or quaint and traditional country pubs. You’ll find more inspiration for what to do this Valentine's Day in Deal, Dover and Sandwich, and romantic Valentine’s Day ideas on our “Valentines Day in White Cliffs Country” page.
If you’re planning days out in Dover, Deal and Sandwich this February, for half term or later in the month – or whether you’re thinking of extending your stay – make sure to have a look at our "What’s On In White Cliffs Country" events page. There’s a ton of fun planned for the half term school break here in White Cliffs Country, with exciting events from family cookery courses to forest school; activity clubs to castle adventure quests and more. Our Things To Do in White Cliffs Country web listings are full of ideas and inspiration for how to find fun family daytrips and fun things to do here across Deal, Dover and Sandwich at any time of the year. Did you know, there are more than 100 visitor attractions in White Cliffs Country?
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*Limit applies to one water bottle per person. While stocks last.